The Enchirito Taco Enchilada

This hearty Enchirito brings together all the best parts of your favorite Tex-Mex meals in one dish. Rolled flour tortillas stuffed with seasoned beef and creamy beans get topped with rich enchilada sauce and a blanket of melted cheese for pure comfort food. The Enchirito is perfect for feeding a crowd or satisfying a nostalgic craving at home.

When I first recreated this dish after a trip down memory lane it immediately won over even my pickiest eaters Now it is on permanent rotation for family movie nights

Ingredients

• Ground beef: for savory satisfying filling Choose beef with a little fat for the most flavor
• Taco seasoning: adds familiar TexMex warmth Look for blends without too much salt for better control
• Garlic powder and cumin: boost savory depth Always pick spices that smell fresh and fragrant
• Salt and pepper: let you adjust the seasoning to perfection
• Refried beans: for creamy texture and extra protein Go for smooth beans without added lard if you prefer
• Enchilada sauce: gives that signature tang and spice Choose between mild or hot based on your taste
• Cheddar and mozzarella cheese: brings ultimate meltiness and flavor Choose blocks you shred yourself for the best melt
• Onion: adds a sweet bite Chop it fine so it mixes easily with the beef
• Flour tortillas: hold everything together Go for soft and pliable ones that will not crack when rolling
• Fresh green onion or cilantro: for garnish brightens the whole plate Choose crisp vibrant herbs

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Pan:

Get your oven heating to 375 F so everything comes out bubbly and hot Lightly grease a baking dish to keep the Enchiritos from sticking

Brown the Beef:

Set a large skillet over medium heat Drop in the ground beef and break it up as it cooks Stir occasionally until the beef is browned and crumbly This should take about eight minutes Drain any excess fat to keep the filling from getting greasy

Season the Beef:

Sprinkle in the taco seasoning garlic powder and cumin plus a small pinch of salt and pepper Add a splash of water Stir thoroughly and let this mixture simmer for five minutes The goal is thick saucy beef with intense flavor

Warm the Beans:

Spoon the refried beans into a small pot and set over low heat Stir until they are hot smooth and creamy This not only makes them easier to spread but also helps them blend better with the beef

Make the Tortillas Soft:

Quickly warm the flour tortillas in the microwave or in a dry skillet Warm tortillas are easier to roll and less likely to tear Fill each one right away to keep them flexible

Assemble the Enchiritos:

Spread a layer of warm refried beans along the center of a tortilla Top with a big spoonful of the seasoned beef and a generous sprinkle of each cheese

Roll and Arrange:

Roll up the tortillas tightly tucking in the sides as you go Lay them in your prepared dish with the seam down so they stay rolled while baking

Add Sauce and Cheese:

Evenly pour the enchilada sauce over all the rolled tortillas Go slow so everything gets well coated Scatter the remaining cheddar and mozzarella on top for a delicious gooey topping

Bake to Perfection:

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for about twenty minutes Look for bubbling cheese and edges that are just beginning to crisp

Garnish and Serve:

Take the dish out and let it cool for a few minutes before serving Sprinkle with chopped green onion or cilantro if you want a fresh finish

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Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool completely then store them in an airtight container in the fridge up to three days You can easily reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven and they will stay creamy and delicious If you want to freeze the Enchirito wrap the assembled unbaked dish tightly for best results then bake straight from frozen when ready

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap black beans or pinto beans for refried beans if you want a chunkier texture If ground beef is not your thing use shredded rotisserie chicken or a plant based crumble for a different twist Monterrey Jack or pepper jack cheese can be used for more zip and flavor and to make it gluten free reach for corn tortillas and layer everything like a casserole

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a fresh tomato salsa or chunky guacamole on the side Add a crisp green salad or Spanish rice for a full TexMex feast We love putting out bowls of sour cream extra chopped herbs and even sliced jalapenos so everyone can customize their own plate

Cultural and Historical Context

The Enchirito is a beloved blend of two classic Mexican American favorites the enchilada and the burrito It was actually popularized by fast food chains but true homemade versions shine with better ingredients and personal touches This dish encapsulates the spirit of bringing families together over generous comforting food

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Common Questions

→ What meat can I use besides ground beef?

Ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based substitute work well as alternatives to traditional ground beef.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours ahead. Bake just before serving for best texture.

→ How do I make this vegetarian?

Replace the beef with extra beans, black beans, or your favorite meat alternative for a vegetarian-friendly version.

→ What toppings go well with The Enchirito?

Sour cream, guacamole, sliced green onions, or chopped cilantro add flavor and freshness on top.

→ How do I keep tortillas from breaking?

Warm tortillas before filling to make them pliable and easier to roll without tearing.